Blitzen Trapper: Blues-Rock BlitzOne of Blitzen Trapper's best qualities has always been its devil-may-care approach to experimentation. "War on Machines" recalls The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead, but with a bit more discipline.

Monday's Pick

Blitzen Trapper's "War on Machines" is a refreshing throwback to classic guitar-rock.
courtesy of the artist
hide caption

toggle caption

courtesy of the artist

The alt-folk-rock band Blitzen Trapper came into its own with Wild Mountain Nation, one of 2007's best albums, but the new Furr could easily be overshadowed by comparison. As part of the band's development, though, Furr marks an important step, tightening Blitzen Trapper's sound amid melodies that flow more naturally.

One of Blitzen Trapper's best qualities has always been its devil-may-care approach to experimentation. A refreshing blitz of blues-rock and electric guitars, "War on Machines" recalls The Allman Brothers and The Grateful Dead, but with a bit more discipline. The guitar solos last just long enough, the vocals possess just enough twang, and just enough modern touches shine through to remind you that you're not actually listening to an outtake from a Fillmore East show. There are no 25-minute jam sessions on Furr, but maybe that's for a later album.